George Ray – Biography

George was introduced to photography through his grandfather who gifted him a Kodak 110 camera and showed him how to use it. Though his thirty-year career in the fire service he was always taking pictures. It was when he became a Fire Captain and Arson Investigator that he wanted to learn the art of how to take a “good” photograph. Most arson investigation work takes place in very dark and unpleasant conditions. Photographic evidence is crucial work in any investigation, so he started taking classes and learning photography. By the time his career started to wind down and he looked toward retirement, his photography had become his way of relaxing and finding peace. His photography focuses on landscape and wildlife, mainly photographing birds of all kinds.

George is currently earning his photography certificate at Victor Valley College in Victorville, California. Some of his photographs of birds have been use by Cornell Labs. In 2024 he had won four first place awards and one judge’s choice award at the San Bernardino County Fair. His pictures have been used for the San Bernardino National Forest Heaps Peak poster. He has taken headshot photographs for the theater students at Victor Valley College. He was the team photographer for CHOC Walk 2024 team at the 2024 Disneyland CHOC Walk (Children’s Hospital of Orange County).

George Ray Artist Statement

At a young age my grandfather gifted me a camera and whether it was at Disneyland, the Grand Canyon or any place we would go I enjoyed taking pictures. Over the years whether it was at work or at home, I always wanted to have my camera with me and take pictures wherever I go.

My enjoyment of the outdoors has led me to focus on wildlife and landscape photography, especially photographing birds, specifically raptors. I find raptors to be majestic and beautiful birds and challenging to photograph. Landscape and wildlife photography allows me to be outdoors and enjoy the openness and feeling of not being confined and away from people and the hustle of daily life, which is big part of why I enjoy it. I find photography relaxing and my way of finding peace.—-